Stepped vs Non-Stepped Formula 271
04-26-2018 | 06:19 PM
#2
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 305
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From: avon,ohio
I have had a 99 271 with 502 stepped for 4 years. I"ve also owned a 272 and a 292. I think the 271 is the best performing boat of the 3. The 271 will hit 68 and cruises nicely at 45. If I slow down a little she will get better then 2 miles a gallon. I highly recommend the 271 with the stepped hull and 502.
05-05-2018 | 09:27 PM
#4
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 6
From: Stockbridge, Ga.
Venting the hull always reduces drag but reduced maneuvering goes with it. The mono hull has a more positive ride but that can be more harsh by comparison to the stepped ride. I was hesitant to get away from the mono hull because of the difference of higher plane speeds too but so far we like the softer ride of steps and the fuel burn is better this way.
05-07-2018 | 07:15 AM
#5
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island, FL
Never had a non stepped bird, but I did have a 271 with a 502 and it was a good riding boat. I liked it so much I moved up to a 312 before going to the center console life. You won't be disappointed with a 271.
10-26-2018 | 08:15 AM
#8
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 3
From: Oslo
Well guys I know the stepped hull should gain some speed and be more efficient then the straight V bottom. Thought it depend how the hull is stepped
the Formula 271 Fastech is stepped very conservative and have only one step. I have read a lot about the 271 SR and 271 Ftech when it come sto speed
Most Sr1 with 496 Ho or 502 does 58 - 60 mph the 271 Tech the must test results says 63 mph … aprox 3 mph in favor of the Fastech . All GPS speeds
I still have my 1992 271 SR1 with 496 HO and reached my goal of 63 mph GPS actually 63,6 mph … Which I think is one of the best veryfied speedresult I have
been able to find with this set up ;-) My advantage is that the drive is aprox 1 inch higer than original (raised it when fixed the a rotten transom) disadvantage XR Drive
harder to run then a bravo 1 or bravo1x ...
63,6 mph Bravo1 XR Mirage 23+
61 mph Bravo1 XR Bravo1 24
62,2 mph Bravo1 X Bravo1 24 (Had a drive failure on the XR replaced it with new Bravo1 X drive) gained 1,2 mph
I am really looking forward to test the boat with the new Xdrive with the Mirage 23+ next season, maybe it is some speed to gain
10-26-2018 | 07:14 PM
#9
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 650
Likes: 123
From: North Florida
I had almost identical top speeds with a 90 242 ss,which of course is a straight bottom and virtually the same loa as a 271. The steps are only beneficial at cruise and do nothing at full speed because they are completely clear of the water. If you are running offshore in heavy swell with some tab and the length of the boat is wet then maybe... I personally think steps are a gimmick on a hull shorter than 30 ft. Not knocking the 271, I love em.
